Smarter Machines, Smarter Sites: IoT and the New Era of Equipment Intelligence

The role of IoT in equipment management is rapidly evolving. In this Q&A, we delve into how the JLG^® ClearSky Smart Fleet™ platform is driving the transition from traditional telematics to a new era of equipment intelligence.

Designed to do more than just track location or hours, this next-generation IoT system empowers users with real-time insights, remote diagnostics and two-way communication, transforming how machines are maintained, managed and mobilized across the job site.

One of the cornerstones of ClearSky Smart Fleet is two-way machine connectivity — what does that look like in real-world use?

Eckel: Traditionally, connected products would have basic telematics that would provide a one-way data feed for someone to digest and interpret. But, JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet discovered an unmet need in the market. Now, customers can use a proprietary mobile app to interact with nearby machines using various technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The advantage is that the connected product does not require a cellular signal in order to benefit from our digital product.

Additionally, customers can interact back and forth with their assets to locate a machine with audio/visual cues, use digital analyzers and readers and even identify machines with nearly any type of machine information. This unparalleled level of communication is a completely unique feature to ClearSky Smart Fleet and JLG.

Two-way IoT refers to a communication model in which devices can both transmit and receive data. This allows for real-time interaction, remote asset control, and enhanced decision-making, enabling customers to troubleshoot remotely and save valuable time and money on historically manual processes.

What features of ClearSky Smart Fleet are changing the conversation about how IoT can be used on job sites?

Eckel: The ClearSky Smart Fleet concept is rooted in the desire to build a technological infrastructure in an evolving industry. Features like Automated Site Networks, Digital Analyzers, Over-the-Air Software Updates and enhanced Machine Location are key factors that are driving job site innovation. By connecting machinery, tools and people to digital systems, IoT enables smart, safe and more efficient work conditions.

Statler: An example of how these are important: ClearSky Smart Fleet provides accurate GPS location in the form of a map, but then it takes the ability to locate machines to the next level with “Find My Machine”. When a user is connected to their fleet via the ClearSky Smart Fleet mobile app, an audio/visual cue can be triggered with the touch of a button. The standard beacon will flash and the horn will activate for instant signaling of the machine’s location. Leveraging Bluetooth mesh connectivity, finding the precise location of equipment on the jobsite or any environment has never been more efficient. Additionally, the beacon light can use various colors to quickly identify other relevant machine information, such as active diagnostic trouble codes, fuel level and state of charge, to name a few.

How does ClearSky Smart Fleet help deter equipment theft and support asset recovery?

Statler: For decades, JLG has been on the forefront of developing ways to reduce theft. In fact, it was a consideration during the development of ClearSky Smart Fleet on most of our equipment because enabling equipment owners to detect the location of their equipment with acute accuracy is the first defense in theft prevention and asset recovery, resulting in significant efficiencies. We’ve seen this successfully leveraged to recover equipment in repossession scenarios.

What are some of the latest ClearSky Smart Fleet updates, and how are they improving equipment tracking and management?

Statler: We are introducing several new features to ClearSky Smart Fleet this year, including:

• Elevation-Based Localization – next level machine location capability, utilizing barometric pressure variables to detect floor height when locating equipment in multi-level conditions,
• Automated Site Networks – Similar concept to “geofencing,” this leverages Bluetooth mesh technology to improve equipment connectivity and streamline asset management on the jobsite, and
• Over-the-Air Machine Software Updates – Clearsky Smart Fleet enables the ability to utilize cloud delivery of new machine software, drastically reducing the need for physical and time-consuming manual processes.

JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet represents a major step forward in how rental companies and contractors manage their equipment. By combining machine connectivity with powerful digital tools, JLG is creating smarter machines that enable smarter job sites. As new features like elevation-based localization, automated site networks and over-the-air updates continue to roll out, ClearSky Smart Fleet is shaping a future where uptime, efficiency and intelligence are built into every lift. Learn more at smartfleet.jlg.com.